Just off Sicily’s west coast, you’ll stumble across one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: the Egadi Islands. When I visited this Mediterranean archipelago last year, I honestly fell head over heels for it. Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo—the three main islands—bring together crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and this slow, easygoing vibe that feels miles away from Sicily’s busy cities.
Favignana, the biggest island, sits just a quick 30-minute hydrofoil ride from Trapani. It’s perfect for a day trip or, honestly, a longer stay if you can swing it.
I spent my days here riding a bike from cove to cove, dipping into turquoise water, and eating seafood that tasted like it jumped straight from the sea to my plate.
While Favignana draws the most visitors, you shouldn’t skip little Levanzo with its prehistoric cave paintings. Marettimo, the most remote island, hides hiking trails that lead to some jaw-dropping views.
These Mediterranean gems—also known as the Aegadian Islands—let you escape Sicily’s crowded hot spots. Life just slows down here.
I found myself truly disconnecting, soaking up authentic island life. Whether you’re swimming in secluded bays, poking around underwater ruins, or sipping coffee in a seaside café, the Egadi Islands serve up a slice of paradise that’s still blissfully untouched.
How to Get to the Egadi Islands
Getting to the Egadi Islands takes a little planning, but it’s not complicated once you know how. You can only reach them by sea, with regular ferries and hydrofoils from Sicily’s west coast.
Ferry and Hydrofoil Connections
Trapani is the main jumping-off point, with Marsala as a less frequent option. Liberty Lines runs most hydrofoil services, with daily departures that make it pretty easy.
The fast hydrofoils zip you to Favignana in about 25-30 minutes, Levanzo in 35, and Marettimo in around an hour.
In summer (June-September), ferries run more often—sometimes hourly to Favignana. Winter schedules slow down, but you’ll still find several connections each day.
If you’re planning a day trip, I’d say catch the earliest hydrofoil from Trapani (usually around 8:30 AM). The last boats back leave between 6 and 8 PM, depending on the season.
Getting to Trapani and Marsala
To reach the ferry ports, you’ve got a few decent options:
From Palermo:
- Bus: Regular SEGESTA/AST services (about 2 hours)
- Train: Direct trains to Trapani (2-2.5 hours)
- Car rental: Fastest way (about 1 hour 15 minutes on the highway)
From Palermo Airport:
- Bus: Direct to Trapani (45-60 minutes)
- Shared shuttle: Book ahead if you want a ride
Trapani has its own small airport, with flights from mainland Italy and some European cities. From there, you can reach the port in about 15 minutes by taxi.
Booking Tips and Travel Planning
If you’re traveling in July or August, definitely book your ferry tickets ahead of time. Liberty Lines lets you buy online, and they’ll email the tickets right to you.
Most tickets let you cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure, which is handy if your plans shift. On windy days, double-check if hydrofoils are running—they cancel those more often than the bigger ferries.
Pro tip: If you’re staying overnight, grab an early morning ferry. For day trips, these round-trip times work well:
- Favignana: 8:30 AM out, 6:30 PM return
- Levanzo: 9:15 AM out, 5:00 PM return
- Marettimo: 9:00 AM out, 4:30 PM return
Discovering Favignana
Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, totally won me over with its butterfly shape and those unreal turquoise waters. The island blends natural beauty, intriguing history, and food that makes you want to stay forever.
Top Beaches and Swimming Spots
Cala Rossa stands out as Favignana’s showstopper. The cove gets its name from the reddish rocks, and the turquoise water here is just unreal.
Dramatic rock ledges make great sunbathing spots—and if you’re feeling brave, you can jump right in.
Cala Azzurra, true to its name (“Blue Cove”), has shallow, Caribbean-blue water that’s perfect for families. The sandy bottom feels amazing, though it does get a bit busy in the summer.
If you want something quieter, Bue Marino is your spot. The sea caves and limestone cliffs here are wild, and the water almost seems to glow—a dream for swimmers and snorkelers.
Cala Rotonda is another peaceful pick, with a small pebble beach and deep blue water. Even in July, I found it pretty tranquil.
The Tonnara di Favignana and Tuna Tradition
The historic Tonnara di Favignana tells the story of the island’s deep tuna fishing roots. This old tuna factory has been lovingly restored and now houses a museum all about the traditional mattanza (tuna hunt).
As I wandered the huge stone buildings, I learned how bluefin tuna once powered the whole local economy. The museum displays original gear, boats, and photos that bring this ancient practice—dating back to Arab times—to life.
The Florio family, who took over the tonnara in the 1800s, turned tuna fishing into a serious business. Their new ways of preserving tuna meant Favignana’s catch traveled all over the world.
The mattanza doesn’t happen anymore, but tuna is still a staple here. You have to try the local specialties—from bottarga to tuna carpaccio, all prepared in ways that’ll blow your mind.
Cycling and Scenic Trails
I found that renting a bike is the best way to see Favignana. The island is mostly flat, so it’s easy for everyone. Bike rental shops cluster near the main piazza, and you’ll pay around €5-10 a day.
One afternoon, I pedaled through olive groves and tiny vineyards, all glowing in the Mediterranean sun. The road to Punta Sottile opened up to some of the most stunning coastal views I’ve ever seen.
Cycling to Cala Grande, I passed quiet fields, stone houses, and dry stone walls that really define Favignana’s landscape. The scent of wild herbs filled the air as I rode.
Make sure to stop at the old tufa quarries—these “gardens of stone” are now overgrown and oddly beautiful. They add a unique touch to the island.
Where to Eat and Enjoy Sicilian Cuisine
Piazza Madrice buzzes every evening as locals and visitors gather for aperitivo. I loved sitting outside, watching the sunset, and sampling local wine and snacks.
La Bettola quickly became my favorite place for dinner. Their tuna carpaccio, drizzled with olive oil and lemon, is unforgettable. The sea urchin pasta is also worth a try.
Seafood rules the menus everywhere. The restaurants by the port serve up the freshest catch—usually grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
You have to try the couscous with fish stew, a nod to Sicily’s North African history. For dessert, cassata and cannoli always hit the spot.
The Hidden Charms of Levanzo
Levanzo is the smallest Egadi Island, but it packs a punch with unspoiled beauty and serious tranquility. If you want to dodge the crowds, this is the place.
Grotta del Genovese and Cave Paintings
Grotta del Genovese is Levanzo’s crown jewel. The prehistoric cave paintings here, dating back to both the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, absolutely blew me away.
You’ll see animals, people, and even tuna fish painted on the walls—a real window into the island’s ancient past.
You need to book a guided tour ahead of time to visit. The guides do a great job explaining the meaning behind these 10,000-year-old drawings.
The cave sits about 1.5 miles from the main village, and you can reach it either by boat or a scenic hike.
Standing in that cave, knowing people created art here thousands of years ago, felt surreal.
Peaceful Beaches and Coves
Levanzo’s shoreline is sprinkled with quiet rocky coves and tiny beaches, all with jaw-dropping clear water. Unlike Favignana, you’ll rarely fight for a spot here.
My favorite beaches:
- Cala Minnola – Pebbles and turquoise water, just picture-perfect
- Cala Tramontana – Awesome snorkeling with colorful fish
- Cala Fredda – A hidden gem for peaceful swims
Bring water shoes—the beaches are mostly rocky. The water is so clear, you can see the bottom even when it’s deep.
Morning swims here? Honestly, they feel like your own private Mediterranean.
Walking Trails, Villages, and Local Experiences
Levanzo’s only village is a cozy cluster of whitewashed houses around a tiny marina. With just about 200 residents, it’s as authentic as it gets.
Walking is the best way to get around. Well-marked trails crisscross the island, from easy coastal walks to trickier inland paths. You can cross the whole island in a few hours.
I found simple apartments through locals instead of hotels, which felt more personal. The handful of restaurants serve seafood that’s usually caught the same morning.
Try the arancini here—they’ve got their own island twist. I loved chatting with fishermen as they mended their nets by the harbor.
You can hop over to Marettimo or Favignana for a day, but honestly, each evening I was happy to return to Levanzo’s calm.
Untamed Beauty of Marettimo
Marettimo is the wildest and most remote Egadi Island, and it’s a dream for nature lovers. The island’s rugged landscape and underwater world both blew me away.
Hiking Trails and Monte Santa Caterina
Marettimo’s hiking trails totally hooked me. Paths wind through Mediterranean scrub, and the views are just incredible.
The best hike climbs up to Monte Santa Caterina, the island’s highest point at 686 meters. Start early to beat the midday heat.
It’s about a three-hour round trip, and the top gives you sweeping views of Sicily—and, if you’re lucky, even Tunisia on a clear day.
Along the way, I stumbled across ancient Roman ruins. Botanists flock here for the rare plants that only grow on Marettimo.
Pack plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a camera. The terrain is tough, but the wild scenery is worth every step.
Snorkeling, Diving, and Marine Wonders
Marettimo sits in the heart of Europe’s largest marine reserve, and the underwater life here is just next-level. Visibility often reaches 30 meters or more.
I’ve spent hours snorkeling, watching fish weave through Posidonia seagrass. Experienced divers will love the caves and steep drop-offs—some of the best in the Mediterranean.
The marine biodiversity is off the charts. I’ve spotted groupers, barracuda, and even dolphins on dives.
Local dive shops rent gear and run guided trips for all levels. My favorite spot? “Secca della Colombaia,” where the underwater rock formations create a playground for marine life.
Exploring Grotta del Cammello and Punta Troia
The sea caves around Marettimo always blow me away. Grotta del Cammello (Camel Cave) grabs your attention right away with its rock formation that looks uncannily like a camel’s hump.
Boats circle the island every day, stopping at this and other jaw-dropping caves. I’d say go for a smaller boat if you want a more personal vibe.
Those blue reflections inside the caves? They’re unreal. Photos don’t do them justice, honestly.
Up at the northern tip, Punta Troia rises dramatically with a medieval castle perched high on the cliffs. Arabs originally built it as a watchtower, and later the Bourbons used it as a prison.
These days, after a recent restoration, the castle has a tiny museum tucked inside.
You can reach Punta Troia by boat, or if you’re up for a challenge, there’s a rugged hiking trail that leads there. I’ve stood at the castle ruins, watched dolphins in the distance, and tried to picture just how important this island must have been for centuries.
Activities and Island Experiences
The Egadi Islands pack in so many activities, it’s almost overwhelming—in a good way. You can sail those clear waters, poke around protected marine environments, or dive deep into the islands’ layered history.
Sailing, Boating, and Island Hopping
Honestly, nothing beats renting a boat here. You get total freedom to find hidden coves and secret beaches, and you can go at your own pace.
Most rentals cluster around Favignana’s main harbor, and you can usually snag a small motorboat for about €80-100 (no license needed for some boats).
Island hopping just makes sense here. A typical day trip covers all three main islands:
- Favignana: Biggest island, famous for coves like Cala Rossa
- Levanzo: Smallest one with great swimming spots
- Marettimo: Wild and remote—feels like another world
Tour operators in Trapani and Favignana run daily boat trips, usually including lunch and a few snorkeling stops. I always try to book morning tours—the water’s calmer and the light’s just better.
Wildlife and the Marine Reserve
The Egadi Islands sit smack in the middle of Europe’s largest marine reserve—almost 54,000 hectares, established back in 1991. These protected waters are packed with life, so snorkeling and diving here feel extra special.
I’ve got a few favorite underwater spots:
- Cala Azzurra: Super clear, great for beginners
- Punta Troia: Epic wall dives and loads of colorful fish
- Marettimo’s caves: If you’re lucky, you’ll spot monk seals
Strict fishing rules let marine life really thrive. I’ve seen dolphins a few times, especially between Favignana and Marettimo. That never gets old.
Several dive centers operate on the islands. You can rent gear or join guided dives, no matter your experience level.
The best diving happens from May to October, when the water’s clearest.
Cultural Heritage and Historical Sites
History is everywhere on these islands. The old Florio tuna processing plant in Favignana now serves as a fascinating museum about the traditional “mattanza” (the tuna hunt) that once drove the local economy.
Roman artifacts pop up all over the archipelago. Levanzo blew my mind with the prehistoric cave paintings in Grotta del Genovese—those date back 10,000 years. They limit access to preserve the site, so definitely book a guided tour ahead of time.
Marettimo’s Norman castle gives you killer views and a glimpse into the islands’ strategic past. The Spanish fortress on Favignana does the same—plus, the panoramas are just incredible.
The abandoned limestone quarries, or “cave di tufo,” have found new life as gardens and artsy spaces. These quarries once supplied the stone for some of Sicily’s most iconic buildings.
Where to Stay on the Egadi Islands
Picking the right place to stay on the Egadi Islands can really shape your Sicilian island experience. Most people end up on Favignana, but if you want peace and quiet, the smaller islands have some gems too.
Accommodation Options
Favignana has the most choices by far. Most places cluster around the main town, which makes everything—restaurants, bike rentals, ferries—super convenient.
You’ll find boutique hotels, B&Bs, and plenty of apartment rentals. Last time, I stayed in a converted tuff stone house, and it really captured that island feeling.
Levanzo, being tiny, doesn’t have many places to stay, but what’s there is charming. Family-run guesthouses are the norm, not big hotels. I loved the little B&B overlooking the harbor—so friendly.
Marettimo is all about nature and hiking. The accommodations are basic but comfortable, with a handful of small hotels and rental apartments.
Tips for Booking and Local Insights
Try to book early if you’re planning to visit between June and September. Honestly, I’ve missed out on the best spots on Favignana because I waited too long—people really do snap them up months in advance during peak season.
If you can swing it, think about coming in May or late September. You’ll probably find better prices and the island feels a lot less crowded.
Planning to stay a week or more? Go for an apartment rental. It usually saves money, and most places have a little kitchenette, so you can cook with fresh stuff from the local markets.
If you’re hopping between islands, here’s what I’d do:
- Stay on Favignana as your main base—day trips are a breeze from there.
- Travel light if you want to stay on Levanzo or Marettimo, since getting around can be tricky with lots of luggage.
- Check for minimum stays—a lot of places want at least three nights in summer, which can catch you off guard.
Don’t count on finding luxury amenities on the smaller islands. Sure, the places might feel a bit rustic, but honestly, their charm and those incredible views more than make up for it.
